Full page east-coast newspaper ads the WA Government has taken out to entice tradies to move to WA
URGENT UPDATE: Western Australia is facing a significant trades workforce shortage, despite lucrative salaries that can reach up to $250,000 for skilled bricklayers. New data from the Construction Training Fund reveals a staggering decline in the trades workforce, dropping from 167,800 in November 2024 to just 147,800 in May 2025. This crisis is impacting the state’s ability to maintain essential infrastructure and housing.
The demand for tradespeople has surged, with skilled workers like electricians and plumbers also earning around $250,000 annually. Yet, there is a troubling gap, with employers struggling to find qualified workers to meet this demand. The Master Builders Association has reported that the industry is in dire need of more support to compete with the inflated salaries offered in the mining and defense sectors.
In response to this urgent workforce crisis, the Cook Government has rolled out a $10,000 incentive program aimed at attracting skilled workers from interstate and overseas. Since its launch at the beginning of the year, the initiative has successfully brought in its 1,000th worker. However, industry leaders believe that more needs to be done to ensure a stable supply of tradespeople.
With the total number of tradespeople in WA potentially as low as 160,200 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the pressure is mounting. The Master Builders Association is advocating for increased incentives for employers to hire apprentices, emphasizing that without a robust trades workforce, the future prosperity of Western Australia could be jeopardized.
WA’s economy is heavily reliant on a skilled trades workforce to build homes, create necessary infrastructure, and support ongoing projects. As the demand grows, the urgency for immediate action has never been more critical. The state must address this shortage to ensure that it can meet the needs of its residents and sustain its economic growth.
The situation is developing rapidly, and stakeholders are calling for immediate engagement from both the government and industry leaders to implement lasting solutions. As Western Australia navigates this pivotal moment, the implications for residents, businesses, and the overall economy are profound.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story, as the future of WA’s trades workforce hangs in the balance.
